Is It Necessary To Wear An N95 Or Surgical Mask To Step Out Of The House?

Due to the outbreak of Coronavirus, there has been an acute shortage of masks in the markets. In the early days of the pandemic, people panicked and hoarded on N95 masks and surgical masks, creating a shortage of supply for healthcare and sanitation workers. While most of us also don’t have access to these masks, is it safe to step out of the house without wearing one?

Experts all over the world have been urging people to not hoard on surgical masks and N95 masks, so that there are enough for doctors, nurses, and essential workers, and have been urging people to consider donating to a nearby healthcare facility, if they have already bought them. The N95 mask is highly effective, and filters out 95% of the impurities in the air. Similarly, the surgical mask, although less effective, sticks to the face very well, leaving no space for the virus to enter. Which is what makes these masks so essential for healthcare professionals.

During the lockdown, the amount of time one spends outside has gone down drastically, and hence, to decrease the consumption of masks, one can simply use homemade masks instead of the ones that are essential to medical workers. Experts have said that wearing these masks will not only decrease the chances of catching the virus, but will also protect others from catching the virus, in case you are an asymptomatic carrier.

The Ministry of Health also issued a statement urging people to wear homemade masks that cover the nose and mouth while stepping out, and advised how to make these masks.

A lot of people are making handmade masks with multiple layers of cotton and filters, and even donating them to hospitals. Frankly, it’s quite easy to make a mask at home, and can be done with basic stitching.

Image Credit: Twitter, @pamelasatpathy

To promote the use of homemade masks for the general public, Times of India has started a campaign called #MaskIndia, which urges people to make their own masks and upload pictures while wearing it to spread awareness about the issue. For people who don't know how to stitch, the campaign also highlights how easy it is to DIY a mask without stitching, and with basic materials available at all homes, such as scrap cloth and tissue papers.

It is imperative that we refrain from using surgical masks and N95 masks, so that our doctors, nurses, and hospital staff can stay safe while they’re on ground and battling the virus, on an everyday basis.

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